What you should know about spinal cord injury and recovery

ASIA/ISCoS Exam and Grade

This is a system of tests used to define and describe the extent and severity of a patient’s spinal cord injury and help determine future rehabilitation and recovery needs. It is ideally completed within 72 hours after the initial injury. The patient’s grade is based on how much sensation he or she can feel at multiple points on the body, as well as tests of motor function.

ASIA/ISCoS Exam Chart (ASIA Impairment Scale)

Grade A

Complete lack of motor and sensory function below the level of injury (including the anal area)

Grade B

Some sensation below the level of the injury (including anal sensation)

Grade C

Some muscle movement is spared below the level
of injury, but 50 percent of the muscles below the level of injury cannot move against gravity.

Grade D

Most (more than 50 percent) of the muscles that are spared below the level of injury are strong enough to move against gravity.